Do patients receive appropriate information and treatment following bone mineral density measurements?
R. Kilding, R. Eastell and N. Peel The Osteoporosis Centre, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK SIR, There is no policy for osteoporosis screening in the UK. It is generally recommended that bone density measurements be targeted towards high-risk groups [1] since it is not appropriate or effective to treat on the basis of clinical risk factors alone [2]. We offer an open access bone densitometry service measuring lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients are also asked to complete a risk-assessment questionnaire. Using information from the referral form, BMD measurement and patient questionnaire an individualized report is issued by a metabolic bone physician giving an interpretation of the BMD result and advice regarding management and follow-up. In approximately 10% of cases an appointment in the metabolic bone clinic is offered for detailed assessment on the basis of clinical need. In the re
